Throughout history, women have led movements, built communities, and changed the world—often while overcoming incredible barriers. Yet, for many women today, especially those facing homelessness, justice involvement, and economic hardship, opportunities for stability and success are still out of reach. At A Step to Freedom (ASF), we recognize that empowering women is key to building stronger communities and breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration. For over three decades, ASF has provided life-changing programs that support women in finding housing, securing employment, accessing mental health resources, and reuniting with their families. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the resilience of women throughout history by ensuring that the women of today—especially those facing the toughest challenges—have access to the resources they need to heal, rebuild, and thrive. The Reality for Women Facing Homelessness & Reentry Women experiencing homelessness and reentry face unique struggles that make their journey to stability even more challenging: 💔 Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women. Many women flee unsafe homes only to find themselves without a stable place to go. 💔 Mothers experiencing homelessness often have to make impossible choices. Without secure housing, many women lose custody of their children, making reunification a long and difficult process. 💔 Formerly incarcerated women struggle with economic barriers. Many employers refuse to hire women with justice-involvement histories, making financial independence difficult to achieve. 💔 Period poverty disproportionately affects unhoused women. Without access to basic menstrual hygiene products, many women face additional health risks and barriers to dignity. ASF is breaking these barriers by providing programs tailored to meet the needs of women in crisis. ASF’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment ASF believes that empowering women is more than providing temporary relief—it’s about creating lasting change. Our programs help women regain their footing, build confidence, and secure the resources they need to move forward. Housing & Family Reunification: A Fresh Start A stable home is the foundation for rebuilding a woman’s life. ASF provides:✔️ Transitional housing to give women a safe place to heal and stabilize.✔️ Permanent housing support to help women secure long-term homes.✔️ Family reunification services to reconnect mothers with their children after periods of separation. Workforce Development: Creating Economic Independence We believe financial security is key to long-term stability. Our workforce development programs help women:✔️ Gain career training and employment placement opportunities.✔️ Learn financial literacy to build savings and plan for the future.✔️ Connect with employers willing to give second chances to formerly incarcerated women. Period Poverty & Women’s Health: Dignity for All Women ASF is committed to eradicating period poverty by distributing hygiene products to unhoused women. Thanks to partnerships with brands like The Honey Pot, we are ensuring that no woman has to choose between food and menstrual products. Reentry & Mental Health Support: Healing from Trauma Justice-involved women face significant barriers after incarceration. ASF’s reentry programs provide:✔️ Mental health services to help women process trauma.✔️ Legal assistance to remove barriers to employment and housing.✔️ Community support networks to reduce isolation and increase self-confidence. Honoring the Women Who Inspire Us ASF is honored to work with women leaders, community advocates, and volunteers who are paving the way for a more just and equitable future. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate: 🌟 The resilient women in our programs who have fought for a second chance.🌟 The ASF team and volunteers who work tirelessly to support women in need.🌟 The women leaders and activists who have broken down barriers so that future generations can thrive. Women’s history is still being written, and at ASF, we are committed to making sure every woman has the opportunity to be part of it. How You Can Support ASF’s Women’s Initiatives This Women’s History Month, you can be part of the movement to uplift and empower women by: ✅ Donating: Your support provides housing, job training, and essential supplies for women in need. Donate today.✅ Shopping Merch for Cause: Every purchase from our Merch for Cause collection supports ASF’s programs for women. Shop now.✅ Volunteering: Give your time to help women transition into stability and success. Sign up here. Together, we can empower women, one step at a time—not just this month, but every day of the year. #ASFImpact #WomensHistoryMonth #EmpowerWomen #SecondChances #EndHomelessness

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our mission to break cycles and renew lives in South Los Angeles. Today, A Step to Freedom (ASF) proudly opens the doors to our new Women's Center, a sanctuary dedicated to serving women experiencing homelessness, navigating reentry, or escaping domestic violence. This state-of-the-art facility represents more than just bricks and mortar; it's a beacon of hope and a testament to our commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable women in our community. Why a Women's Center? Women experiencing homelessness, reentering society after incarceration, or fleeing domestic violence face a complex web of challenges. Often, these issues intersect, creating barriers that can seem insurmountable. Our new center is designed to address these multifaceted needs under one roof, providing a holistic approach to healing and empowerment. What the Center Offers: Safe Housing: Immediate shelter and transitional housing options to provide stability and security. Trauma-Informed Care: Counseling and mental health services tailored to address the specific traumas many of our clients have endured. Workforce Development: Job training, resume workshops, and employment assistance to foster long-term independence. Legal Aid: Partnerships with local legal services to help navigate complex systems, especially crucial for those dealing with domestic violence or reentry challenges. Health Services: On-site medical care and wellness programs to address often-neglected health needs. Child Care: Support for mothers, allowing them to focus on their personal growth and job searches. Community Building: Group activities and peer support programs to combat isolation and build resilience. A Step Towards a Brighter Future This Women's Center is more than just a new program; it's a reflection of ASF's evolving understanding of the communities we serve. By providing targeted, compassionate care to women in crisis, we're not just changing individual lives – we're strengthening families and uplifting entire neighborhoods. As we celebrate this opening, we're filled with gratitude for our supporters, partners, and the incredible ASF team who made this dream a reality. But our work is far from over. This center is just the beginning of a new chapter in our ongoing mission to create lasting change in South LA. How You Can Help The success of this center depends on community support. Here are ways you can get involved: Volunteer your time and skills Spread the word about our services Consider making a financial contribution to support our programs Together, we can ensure that every woman who walks through our doors finds the support, dignity, and opportunity she deserves. Join us in this crucial work of healing, empowering, and transforming lives, one woman at a time. #ASFWomensCenter #HopeForHer #EmpoweringWomen #EndHomelessness #SecondChances

For over three decades, A Step to Freedom (ASF) has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. What began as a small initiative has grown into a powerful force, transforming lives and reshaping communities. As we celebrate 33 years of dedicated service, we reflect on our journey, the impact we've made, and the path forward as we continue to break cycles of homelessness and restore dignity to those who need it most.The Early Days: A Vision for ChangeWhen ASF was founded 33 years ago, the mission was clear: to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where low-income individuals and families could break free from the cycles of homelessness, poverty, and despair. The founders understood that addressing homelessness required more than just providing shelter. It meant addressing the root causes, such as lack of education, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and systemic inequities that leave so many people without a stable place to call home.From the very beginning, ASF committed to offering comprehensive services designed to not only meet the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness but also to provide long-term solutions. This holistic approach set ASF apart and became the foundation of our success.Breaking Cycles: A Holistic ApproachOver the past 33 years, ASF has developed a wide range of programs to address the multifaceted challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Our initiatives focus on more than just housing; they include workforce development, reentry programs, mental health support, and family reunification services. Each program is designed to provide individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives, restore their dignity, and reintegrate into society.For instance, our workforce development program has empowered countless participants by providing them with the skills and resources needed to secure stable employment. Through training, mentorship, and job placement services, we’ve helped individuals transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Our reentry program, which focuses on supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, has been instrumental in reducing recidivism and fostering a sense of community among participants.ASF’s commitment to family reunification has also played a crucial role in our mission. By helping individuals reconnect with their loved ones, we strengthen the support systems that are essential for long-term stability and success.A Community Effort: The Role of PartnershipsASF’s success over the past three decades would not have been possible without the support of our community partners, donors, volunteers, and staff. These collaborations have allowed us to expand our reach, enhance our programs, and create lasting change in the lives of those we serve. From local businesses and faith-based organizations to government agencies and fellow nonprofits, our partners have been vital in our mission to end homelessness in Los Angeles.One key partnership has been with the Judicial Council of California (JCOD), which funds our Family Reunification program. This support has enabled us to offer critical resources and services that reunite families, providing a foundation for individuals to thrive.Looking Ahead: The Future of ASFAs we celebrate 33 years of transformation, we are also looking to the future with renewed determination. The challenges of homelessness are evolving, but so are our strategies to combat them. We remain committed to innovating and expanding our services to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.This year alone, we’ve seen 35% of our participants transition to permanent housing, and 21 individuals have successfully completed our Family Reunification program. These milestones are a testament to the hard work of our team and the resilience of those we serve.As we prepare for our upcoming initiatives, including our Dad’s Program Fundraiser and the Warm the Streets LA blanket drive, we invite you to join us in continuing this journey. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your support is crucial in helping us break the cycles of homelessness and build a brighter future for all.33 Years Strong, and Still SteppingASF’s journey over the past 33 years has been marked by resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to our mission. We’ve transformed lives, rebuilt communities, and created a legacy of hope and empowerment. As we move forward, we carry the lessons of the past with us, while embracing the possibilities of the future. Together, we can continue to break cycles of homelessness and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and purpose.

A Step to Freedom (ASF) provides justice-impacted individuals and people experiencing homelessness with a safe living environment and the support and resources needed to "take the first step to building a new future." NFF first partnered with ASF as part of the South Los Angeles Innovation Collaborative, where our Consulting team provided workshops and group coaching on nonprofit financial management. In 2023, NFF also provided a $200,000 zero-interest bridge loan to ASF, helping them maintain their programs and keep their doors open to those in need, despite funding reimbursement delays worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kenneth Croom – a father, mentor, skilled boxer, veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader – founded ASF in the summer of 1991 after experiencing firsthand the need for resources and support when transitioning from incarceration. ASF’s motto, "take the first step toward building a new future," reflects its mission to provide safe transitional living spaces and comprehensive support services for people impacted by the justice system and/or homelessness. In 2003, Kenneth’s daughter, Kenya Croom, took over ASF to carry forward his vision. In addition to providing a safe transitional living space with support and resources for people who have been impacted by the justice system and/or homelessness, ASF expanded to include wraparound services that help people establish self-sufficiency through trades, business ventures, and jobs as they transition to permanent housing.   READ FULL STORY HERE.

At A Step to Freedom (ASF), our volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization. They generously donate their time and energy to support our mission of enhancing lives and breaking cycles of homelessness, poverty, and incarceration in South Los Angeles. While the statistics around homelessness and housing insecurity in our community are staggering, it's the personal bonds formed between volunteers and participants that truly power our impact. The Numbers Don't Lie The latest data paints a sobering picture of the housing crisis gripping South LA and the urgent need for interventions like ASF's programs: On any given night in Los Angeles County, over 66,000 individuals are experiencing homelessness (LAHSA 2022) 34% of those homeless are in families with children under 18 Black residents make up 33% of LA's homeless population despite being just 9% of the overall population 1 in 5 Black households in South LA lives below the poverty line These numbers represent more than just data points - they are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and entire families in crisis. ASF's wraparound services and transitional housing aim to be the bridge to stability and self-sufficiency. But we couldn't do it without our dedicated volunteers. The Fabric of a Community ASF strives to center the lived experiences of our South LA community in all we do. That's why volunteers from the local area, or who share similar backgrounds as participants, play such a vital role. Their presence and first-hand perspectives help build understanding, trust, and accountability. When someone sees a volunteer who looks like them, speaks their language, or has navigated parallel personal circumstances, it forges an immediate human connection that no statistic or figure of authority could replicate.

At A Step to Freedom (ASF), we believe in the power of redemption and the inherent dignity of every human being. Our mission is to break the cycles of homelessness, poverty, and incarceration that have long plagued the South Los Angeles community. And at the heart of this work are the stories of second chances and renewed hope that inspire us daily. As we recognize Second Chance Month this April, we're shining a light on the transformative impact of our reentry and workforce development programs. These initiatives are carefully designed to provide the holistic support formerly incarcerated individuals need to rebuild their lives with purpose and stability. From Housing to Healing The first step is establishing a foundation of safety and stability. Through our interim housing facilities, we offer clean, sober living environments where participants can focus on their personal growth journey. But it doesn't stop there. Our case managers connect them to vital resources like counseling, legal aid, and obtaining essential documents. "The team welcomed me, held me accountable, and walked me through every step," shares Nicholas. Nicholas shares more about his experience below. Regaining that sense of dignity and self-worth is paramount. That's why our trauma-informed approach to counseling emphasizes cognitive behavioral therapy and asset-based coaching. Participants learn to reframe their mindsets, manage emotions, and cultivate the skills needed to thrive. Pathways to Purpose With the foundation of housing and healing in place, ASF's robust workforce development initiatives empower participants to gain the vocational training and job placement support to secure living-wage employment. We partner with local employers committed to fair chance hiring practices, helping to break down the barriers that so often doom the formerly incarcerated to recidivism. "My goal is to get a job and then housing," explains Dennis. "But the ASF team has helped me each day." Beyond just a paycheck, a steady job provides the sense of purpose, stability and community that are essential to successful reentry. Our holistic model ensures participants don't just obtain employment, but acquire the life skills, financial literacy and family support to build a sustainable future. A Movement of Renewal The impact of ASF's reentry services extends far beyond the individuals directly served. By interrupting cycles of incarceration and creating pathways to stability, we're strengthening entire communities and making South LA a safer, more thriving place for all. Every success story is a testament to the power of compassion, accountability and second chances. Through workforce training, counseling and housing, we empower our participants to rewrite their narratives - and in doing so, we renew hope and transform lives. This Second Chance Month, we invite you to join our movement. Whether through volunteering, donating or speaking up, you can be a catalyst for change and help us deliver on the promise of new beginnings. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to start again. JOIN OUR GIVING COMMUNITY!

The city of San Jose, California is implementing a controversial new artificial intelligence system to detect homeless encampments throughout the city. The AI technology, developed by a startup called Zyrex, uses camera footage and machine learning models to identify tents, tarps, and other signs of outdoor living. The goal is to provide real-time data to city workers and homeless outreach teams to rapidly identify and address encampment sites. Privacy advocates have raised concerns that the AI system is an invasive form of surveillance that could potentially criminalize homelessness. There are fears the technology could be expanded to track and monitor individual homeless people without their consent. The city maintains the program will simply allow more efficient allocation of resources and services to those in need. San Jose has one of the highest rates of unsheltered homelessness in the country, with over 7,000 people living outdoors or in encampments as of 2022. City officials say traditional methods of reporting and responding to homeless camps have proven ineffective given the scale of the crisis. The $1.2 million AI pilot program is set to run for two years before being evaluated. Zyrex claims its AI can detect camps with over 90% accuracy by analyzing patterns like clusters of tents and accumulations of debris and waste. However, experts warn that machine learning models trained primarily on data from whiter, wealthier areas may misidentify belongings of homeless people of color. The ACLU has voiced opposition, stating "Systems of mass surveillance supercharge discrimination... We should be skeptical when governments want to automate operations that have historically driven criminalization." (Source: "Revealed: a California city is training AI to spot homeless encampments", The Guardian, March 25, 2024)

Period poverty is a significant and often overlooked issue affecting millions of women and girls worldwide. Defined as the inability to access or afford menstrual hygiene products, period poverty perpetuates inequality and poses serious health risks for those affected, particularly women living in poverty. In this article, we'll explore the pressing need to recognize period products as a basic necessity rather than a luxury, especially for women facing economic hardship.   Period poverty is a multifaceted issue that intersects with socioeconomic factors, cultural stigmas, and systemic inequalities. For women and girls living in poverty, the inability to access menstrual hygiene products can have far-reaching consequences on their health, education, and overall well-being. Without access to pads, tampons, or menstrual cups, women are forced to resort to unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, such as rags, newspaper, or even leaves, putting them at risk of infections and reproductive health complications.   Lack of access to period products compromises women's health and hygiene, leading to a range of physical and psychological consequences. Menstrual hygiene products are essential for maintaining cleanliness during menstruation, preventing infections, and ensuring menstrual health. Without access to these products, women may experience discomfort, embarrassment, and shame, impacting their self-esteem and quality of life. Moreover, untreated menstrual hygiene-related infections can lead to more severe health complications, further exacerbating the cycle of poverty and inequality.   Several barriers contribute to the pervasive issue of period poverty, including economic constraints, cultural taboos, and inadequate policies and infrastructure. For women living in poverty, the high cost of menstrual hygiene products often forces them to prioritize other essential needs, such as food, housing, or healthcare, over period products. Additionally, cultural stigma surrounding menstruation perpetuates shame and silence, making it difficult for women to seek help or advocate for their needs. Moreover, inadequate menstrual hygiene management facilities, such as lack of private toilets or disposal bins, further exacerbate the challenges faced by women in poverty.   Addressing period poverty requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes and systemic inequalities perpetuating the issue. Governments, policymakers, and organizations must prioritize menstrual equity as a fundamental human right and implement policies and programs to ensure universal access to menstrual hygiene products. This includes providing free or subsidized period products in schools, workplaces, and public spaces, as well as investing in menstrual education and advocacy initiatives to dismantle cultural taboos and stigma. Community-based organizations and grassroots initiatives also play a crucial role in addressing period poverty at the local level. By providing free menstrual hygiene products, conducting outreach and education programs, and advocating for policy change, organizations like A Step to Freedom or Free From Hardship, empower women and girls to manage their periods with dignity and confidence. Additionally, businesses and corporations can contribute to the fight against period poverty by donating products, funding initiatives, or implementing menstrual leave policies to support their employees.   To truly address period poverty, we must challenge the prevailing narrative that period products are a luxury rather than a basic necessity. Menstruation is a natural and essential aspect of women's health, and access to menstrual hygiene products is a basic human right. By reframing the conversation and advocating for menstrual equity, we can break down barriers, reduce stigma, and ensure that all women and girls have the resources they need to manage their periods safely and with dignity. Period poverty is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention and action from policymakers, organizations, and individuals alike. By recognizing period products as a basic necessity and prioritizing menstrual equity, we can empower women and girls to lead healthy, dignified lives free from the constraints of poverty and inequality. Together, let's work towards a future where access to menstrual hygiene products is universal and menstruation is no longer a barrier to women's health and well-being. DONATE NOW TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR PERIOD POVERTY.